How
Many Monarchs in Mexico?
Estimating the Size of the Overwintering Population Slideshow

Every
year monarchs migrate to Mexico from across eastern North America. They
cluster by the millions in 12 mountain sanctuaries. Because the butterflies
are gathered in one small region of Mexico, scientists have a chance
to estimate the size of the entire migratory population once
each year.

Driving QuestionWhy
is it important to collect and analyze monarch population data from
year to year?

Resources: Explore authentic data through graphs and maps.

1. Explore
how scientists estimate the size of the monarch population in Mexico's
overwintering region each year.

2. Investigate
questions about why monarch population studies are important; how
scientists use the data to reflect on past events, assess current
trends, and make predictions for the future.